Is this really IBS ?

Hi, they don't really diagnose IBS as such they rule out anything else and if the problems persists they say it's IBS, if you have been on antibiotics I would get a strong multi strain probiotic, eat fermented food if you can, I was on antibiotics for three months a few years ago for a UTI which put me in hospital for over a week it had turned to sepsis i.e. blood poisoning, I reckon this event my have caused the start of my IBS, antibiotics cause havoc with gut flora and I was on them for three months but didn't understand about all these issues back then but done a lot of finding out since, I make Kefir a strong multi strain probiotic drink, but when IBS starts you seem to be stuck with it so you're just lessening the symptoms.

I have had exactly the same symptoms this year and had IBS for years - I think as get older gets worse - sometimes in bed when I lie down it feels discomfort under left rib cage - was bad at the beginning of the year and then went and slightly back at the minute but I think its a lot to do with stress - at beginning of year I found out my stepmum has cancer and my auntie died - now at the minute trying to sell house due to neighbour problems so I think it is a lot to do with excess acid in stomach as I was also getting a lot of heartburn and bloated. I went to 3 different doctors who all said either gerd or ibs - hope it settles soon x

Do you get stomach pain that moves about?  You may be getting trapped gas as well. Both are IBS symptoms.  Sometimes doctors can diagnose IBS without tests, however, if there is a doubt, tests are done.  Have you had other investigations to rule out other causes? 

Perhaps you might want to check into this further - perhaps ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist. I'm not sure if this is IBS, as each case seems to have such different symptoms. You've probably found It's so painful, and disrupts your lifestyle drastically! 

 

Thanks all,

Well i wouldn't say i was in pain as such, is more of a discomfort thing. I can still go about my daily activities without hindrance.

In Feb this year i had blood tests. I think it was part of the "well man" screening programme. It included a TTG Coleiac screening which was negative and no real red flags on anything else.

The big thing is obviously cancer but there are seemingly no red flag signals. The discomfort seems to migrate from right rib area to left, and sometimes left hand side of abdomen.

I am ideal weight, never smoked, drink sparingly and seem otherwise healthy.

Part of me thinks it IS IBS type issues psychosomatically linked to stress /anxiety which i have endure a lot in the last year or so..

My advice..........seek out a specialist in IBS and other gastric disorders.  I DO NOT work with my GP in relation to this condition.  A gastroenterologist would better be suited to handle this and guide you. They know exactly what to look for, a good one knows the latest research and treatments,  and if you can go to a reputable hospital/clinic (not knowing where you are) that would be the best thing to do.